Charity advent 2011 + Consumer affairs | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/series/charity-advent-2011+consumer-affairs
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Charities for Christmas #16: The Abbeyfield Societyhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/23/charity-christmas-abbeyfield-society
We are profiling charities seeking volunteers or financial support. Today it is The Abbeyfield Society, which is dedicated to making the lives of older people easier and more fulfilling<p>On Christmas Day about 500 lonely, older people will be offered dinner, in some cases a bed for the night, and that most valuable of gifts companionship.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.abbeyfield.com/Pages/index.aspx" title="Abberyfield Society website">Abbeyfield Society</a>, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for older people, combats festive isolation by inviting people aged 55 and over who will otherwise be alone at Christmas to spend time at one of 120 Abbeyfield sheltered homes in England and Wales.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/23/charity-christmas-abbeyfield-society">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesVoluntary sectorOlder peopleSocial exclusionSocietyFri, 23 Dec 2011 15:24:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/23/charity-christmas-abbeyfield-societyPRThe Abbeyfield Socieyu was started in 1956 by a former Coldstream Guard called Richard Carr-Gomm.PRThe Abbeyfield Socieyu was started in 1956 by a former Coldstream Guard called Richard Carr-Gomm.Jill Insley2011-12-23T15:24:01ZCharities for Christmas #15: Battersea Dogs and Cats Homehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/22/charity-christmas-battersea-dogs-cats-home
We are profiling a range of charities who are seeking volunteers or financial support. Today it's animal support group Battersea Dogs and Cats Home<p>A litter of Staffie cross puppies was dumped outside the Windsor branch of <a href="http://www.battersea.org.uk/" title="Battersea homepage">Battersea Dogs and Cats Home</a> last night. The puppies were in poor condition and probably only survived because security guards saw them being deposited. The &quot;owners&quot; apparently covered their faces and drove off immediately.</p><p>These pups join more than 320 dogs and 137 cats which have been handed over to the charity's three homes in south London, Brands Hatch and Old Windsor in December alone. This week the charity has also taken in Akita cross and Lhasa Apso puppies.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/22/charity-christmas-battersea-dogs-cats-home">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesSocietyPetsLife and styleAnimal welfareAnimalsWorld newsCatsVoluntary sectorThu, 22 Dec 2011 13:32:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/22/charity-christmas-battersea-dogs-cats-homeBattersea Dogs and Cats HomeBattersea Dogs and Cats Home is keen to receive bedding or toys, or people can donate money to pay for a dinner or a chewy bone. Photograph: Battersea Dogs and Cats HomeBattersea Dogs and Cats HomeBattersea Dogs and Cats Home is keen to receive bedding or toys, or people can donate money to pay for a dinner or a chewy bone. Photograph: Battersea Dogs and Cats HomeJill Insley2011-12-22T13:32:52ZPlight of the families who rely on food parcelshttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/17/middle-class-foodbanks
Edwina Currie may deny it, but the shocking truth is that in Britain today many people have to chose between eating and paying the rent<p>'Are you telling me people in this country are going hungry? Seriously? Seriously?&quot; <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15336931" title="">Edwina Currie </a>asked a Radio 5 Live audience recently – adding that she &quot;really had great difficulty&quot; believing that people in Britain went without food.</p><p>According to the former Conservative minister, there are &quot;real&quot; people starving in this world, but not in the UK.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/17/middle-class-foodbanks">Continue reading...</a>Family financesConsumer affairsMoneyBenefitsPovertySocial exclusionSocietyChristmasLife and styleEdwina CurrieSat, 17 Dec 2011 22:59:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/17/middle-class-foodbanksChris Balcombe/SolentA foodbank Christmas box will make a world of difference for the Clarke family this year. Photograph: Chris Balcombe/SolentChris Balcombe/SolentA foodbank Christmas box will make a world of difference for the Clarke family this year. Photograph: Chris Balcombe/SolentJill Insley2011-12-17T22:59:00ZCharities for Christmas #12: Breakthrough Breast Cancerhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/16/charity-christmas-breakthrough-breast-cancer
We are profiling a range of charities who are seeking volunteers or financial support. Today we look at the unique Breakthrough Breast Cancer group<p>For Charlotte Wright, this will be her family's 11th Christmas without her mother who lost her life to breast cancer. &quot;My life hasn't been the same since, and because of this I try and support the charity <a href="http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/" title="Breakthrough Breast Cancer homepage">Breakthrough Breast Cancer</a> as much as possible with the hope that one day we will see an end to this disease,&quot; she says.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/16/charity-christmas-breakthrough-breast-cancer">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyBreast cancerCharitiesVoluntary sectorSocietyFri, 16 Dec 2011 10:47:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/16/charity-christmas-breakthrough-breast-cancerPublic DomainBreakthrough Breast Cancer has a unique role helping to finance scientists’ work at the Institute of Cancer Research.Public DomainBreakthrough Breast Cancer has a unique role helping to finance scientists’ work at the Institute of Cancer Research.Rebecca Smithers2011-12-16T10:47:47ZCharities for Christmas #11: The Cinnamon Trusthttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/15/charity-christmas-cinnamon-trust
We are profiling a range of charities who are seeking volunteers and financial support. Today's focus is on the elderly people and pets charity Cinnamon Trust<p>Pets are fantastic companions for elderly people, helping to reduce stress, offering protection against loneliness and fending off depression. Many older people also find it easier to talk to other people if they have a pet, because the animal forms a talking point: a common interest that they can discuss.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/15/charity-christmas-cinnamon-trust">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesVoluntary sectorOlder peopleSocietyChristmasLife and styleThu, 15 Dec 2011 08:30:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/15/charity-christmas-cinnamon-trustPhil Degginger / Alamy/AlamyThe Cinnamon Trust helps elderly and terminally ill people look after their beloved pets. Photograph: Phil Degginger/AlamyPhil Degginger / Alamy/AlamyThe Cinnamon Trust helps elderly and terminally ill people look after their beloved pets. Photograph: Phil Degginger/AlamyJill Insley2011-12-15T08:30:01ZCharities for Christmas #10: Giveacarhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/14/charity-christmas-giveacar
We are profiling charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. Today it is car scrap charity Giveacar<p>Ditching your clapped out Mini Cooper is not the sort of thing you might think could turn into a charitable deed, but not-for-profit organisation <a href="http://www.giveacar.co.uk/" title="Giveacar homepage">Giveacar</a> is asking motorists to send their potential scrap metal its way.</p><p>Giveacar works by collecting old cars (roadworthy or not), then sending them to scrap or auction. It then donates all the proceeds, minus 25% administrative costs, to a charity of the car owner's choice. Typically, a scrapped car will raise &pound;100 for charity; an auctioned one can raise more. The Ford Fiesta is the most donated car – the organisation says it receives one every day.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/14/charity-christmas-giveacar">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingMotoringConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesVoluntary sectorSocietyChristmasLife and styleWed, 14 Dec 2011 09:56:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/14/charity-christmas-giveacarPublic DomainGiveacar wants your old bangers this Christmas.Public DomainGiveacar wants your old bangers this Christmas.Lisa Bachelor2011-12-14T09:56:44ZCharities for Christmas #9: Elizabeth Finn Carehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/13/charity-christmas-elizabeth-finn-care
We are profiling charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. Today we look at financial support charity Elizabeth Finn Care<p>It's not often a stranger becomes a family member, but that's the situation Jayne Burnett found herself in when she first approached charity <a href="http://www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/" title="Elizabeth Finn Care">Elizabeth Finn Care</a> (EFC).</p><p>&quot;My eyesight was failing and I needed a voice activated computer,&quot; Burnett explains. &quot;In those days – 13 years ago – that sort of equipment was hard to get hold of, but my social worker put me in touch with EFC. It said it would send someone to my house, which immediately made me nervous.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/13/charity-christmas-elizabeth-finn-care">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingFamily financesConsumer affairsMoneyChristmasLife and styleSocial exclusionSocietyCharitiesVoluntary sectorTue, 13 Dec 2011 06:45:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/13/charity-christmas-elizabeth-finn-carePublic DomainElizabeth Finn Care is running a campaign called Wrap Up Against Poverty this Christmas.Public DomainElizabeth Finn Care is running a campaign called Wrap Up Against Poverty this Christmas.Lisa Bachelor2011-12-13T06:45:01ZCharities for Christmas #8: CCHF All About Kidshttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/12/charity-christmas-cchf-all-about-kids
We are profiling charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. Today we look at CCHF All About Kids, which offers disadvantaged children respite breaks<p>Nine-year-old Shannon's father has a long-standing mental health problem which means he can't work or leave their two-bed flat by himself. Her mother is the main carer, but suffers from stress and joint problems, so the family must manage on Shannon's father's disability living allowance. Even if the family could leave the flat, there is no way they could afford a holiday.</p><p>As a result Shannon is withdrawn, anxious, fearful of trying out new things and found it difficult to make friends – at least until her teacher referred her to <a href="http://www.cchf-allaboutkids.org.uk" title="CCHF All About Kids homepage">CCHF All About Kids</a>. The charity, based in the heart of the Sussex Downs and 20 minutes from the south coast, paid for Shannon to enjoy an activity week at their centre in Hassocks.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/12/charity-christmas-cchf-all-about-kids">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesChildrenVoluntary sectorSocietyChristmasLife and styleMon, 12 Dec 2011 06:45:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/12/charity-christmas-cchf-all-about-kidsPRCCHF All About Kids offers disadvantaged children respite breaks, such as kiteflying and outdoor swimming.PRCCHF All About Kids offers disadvantaged children respite breaks, such as kiteflying and outdoor swimming.Mark King2011-12-12T06:45:01ZCharities for Christmas #7: Crisishttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/09/charities-christmas-crisis
We are profiling a range of charities whose work continues all year round and who are seeking volunteers and support. Today's focus is on homeless people's charity Crisis<p><a href="http://crisis.org.uk/" title="">Crisis</a> is looking for donations of time as much as money. With two weeks until it opens its Christmas centre, it still urgently needs volunteers for specialist roles.</p><p>Perhaps one of the more unexpected needs is for hairdressers. For someone on the streets or living vulnerably, getting their hair and nails done might not sound like a priority, but Karen Scarborough, says the &quot;pop-up&quot; hair salons and nail bars she organises in all the centres are one of the most popular services they provide.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/09/charities-christmas-crisis">Continue reading...</a>MoneyCharitable givingConsumer affairsCharitiesHomelessnessVoluntary sectorSocietyChristmasLife and styleFri, 09 Dec 2011 06:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/09/charities-christmas-crisisPat Tuson/AlamyHomeless people could benefit from your time. Photograph: Pat Tuson/AlamyPat Tuson/AlamyHomeless people could benefit from your time. Photograph: Pat Tuson/AlamyWalter Hemmens2011-12-09T06:00:01ZCharities for Christmas #6: Chance UKhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/08/charities-christmas-chance-uk
We are profiling a range of charities whose work continues all year round and who are seeking volunteers and support. Today's focus is on child-mentoring charity Chance UK<p>A criminal future can start in a primary school classroom. The child flinging a chair at the teacher can become the youth throwing bricks through shop windows. Expulsion from school can lead to a sense of expulsion from society. Sometimes, however, an empathetic ear is the critical influence to steer children away from the cycle of violence and rejection.</p><p><a href="http://www.chanceuk.com/" title="">Chance UK</a> is the only organisation in the UK to offer a year of weekly one-to-one mentoring with children aged between five and 11. Volunteer mentors boost a child's self-esteem with day trips, sports activities and a committed interest in what they have to say. Then they help them work out their own solutions to their problems and stick with them while they try to put them in place.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/08/charities-christmas-chance-uk">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsCharitiesVoluntary sectorChildrenChristmasThu, 08 Dec 2011 07:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/08/charities-christmas-chance-ukChance UKChance UK is the only organisation in the UK to offer a year of weekly one-to-one mentoring with children between aged five and 11Chance UKChance UK is the only organisation in the UK to offer a year of weekly one-to-one mentoring with children between aged five and 15Anna Tims2011-12-08T07:30:00ZCharities for Christmas #5: St Mungo'shttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/07/charities-christmas-st-mungos
We are profiling a number of charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. Today we look at homeless charity St Mungo's<p>Carol Davis's daughter died of heart failure in August following a period of illness. Three months later she remains unburied because Carol lacks the funds for a funeral.</p><p>Now 59, Carol spent two years living on the streets after serving a prison sentence. Her drug habit began 16 years previously and she faced a brief and painful future. Then she was referred to <a href="http://www.mungos.org/" title="St Mungos website">St Mungo's</a>, a charity set up 43 years ago to provide shelter and support for the homeless.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/07/charities-christmas-st-mungos">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesVoluntary sectorSocietyHomelessnessCommunitiesHousingChristmasLife and styleWed, 07 Dec 2011 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/07/charities-christmas-st-mungosAlex GriffithsSet up to provide shelter and support for the homeless, St Mungo's has launched a Christmas appeal. Photograph: Alex GriffithsAlex GriffithsSet up to provide shelter and support for the homeless, St Mungo's has a launched a Christmas appeal. Photograph: Alex GriffithsAnna Tims2011-12-07T12:53:00ZCharities for Christmas #4: FareSharehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/06/charities-christmas-fareshare
We are profiling a number of charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. Today we look at FareShare, which helps redistribute surplus food from the food industry<p>Tim Walters worked in the RAF as an engineer for 12 years and the NHS for 10 years before he lost his home, and ended up sleeping rough in central London following a dramatic change in circumstances.</p><p>&quot;I stayed on friends' sofas for four months. It wasn't easy. And once the favours had run out I had no choice but to sleep rough,&quot; he says. &quot;I slept rough for nine months on the steps of the Apollo Theatre at Victoria station. It felt quite safe: there were always people around and I got on well with the night porters.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/06/charities-christmas-fareshare">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesVoluntary sectorSocietyFood & drinkLife and styleChristmasFood & drink industryBusinessTue, 06 Dec 2011 09:42:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/06/charities-christmas-faresharePublic DomainFareShare was named Britain’s most admired charity in the 2010 Third Sector awardsPublic DomainFareShare was named Britain's Most Admired Charity in the 2010 Third Sector awards.Rebecca Smithers2011-12-06T09:42:35ZCharities for Christmas #3: Joanne Bingley Memorial Foundationhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/05/charities-christmas-joanne-bingley-memorial-foundation
We are profiling a number of charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. Today it's the turn of post-natal depression group the Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation<p>Chris Bingley's wife killed herself when their first child was 10 weeks old. The vivacious nurse had longed for a baby and, at 39, had begun to fear it would never happen. But days after the birth, post-natal depression (PND) set in. Within weeks it had consumed her and she took her own life in April 2010.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/05/charities-christmas-joanne-bingley-memorial-foundation">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesVoluntary sectorSocietyChildbirthHealth & wellbeingLife and styleChristmasMon, 05 Dec 2011 11:06:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/05/charities-christmas-joanne-bingley-memorial-foundationPublic DomainThe Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation was established to to highlight the misunderstood ravages of post-natal depression.Public DomainThe Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation was established to to highlight the misunderstood ravages of post-natal depression.Anna Tims2011-12-05T11:06:04ZCharities for Christmas #2: Pennieshttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/02/charity-advent-pennies-foundation
In the run-up to Christmas we will be profiling a number of charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. Today it's the turn of electronic charity box scheme Pennies<p>Have you noticed how few charity collection tins there are these days? It used to be a very easy way to give to charity – just donating the odd penny or two in change after after buying something for &pound;1.95 or &pound;2.99.</p><p>But Alison Hutchinson, chief executive of <a href="http://www.pennies.org.uk/" title="The Pennies Foundation website">The Pennies Foundation</a>, says very few shops, restaurants and pubs are willing to put the tins on their counters for fear of theft and fraud.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/02/charity-advent-pennies-foundation">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingConsumer affairsMoneyCharitiesSocietyRetail industryBusinessChristmasLife and styleVoluntary sectorFri, 02 Dec 2011 09:52:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/02/charity-advent-pennies-foundationPublic DomainPennies has raised £250,000 from 1m donations in its first yearPublic DomainPennies has raised £250,000 from 1m donations in its first year.Jill Insley2011-12-02T09:52:27ZCharities for Christmas #1: Real Lettingshttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/01/charity-advent-real-lettings
In the run-up to Christmas we will be profiling a number of charities for readers who have time or money they would like to donate, or are seeking help in those areas. First up is charity lettings agency Real Lettings<p>Leon ended up living on the streets for a month, and then in hostels for four years, after losing his job. &quot;I was working as a pizza delivery boy while studying at college and living in King's Cross. But things started going downhill and I couldn't keep up with the rent,&quot; he says.</p><p>For many people, this is an irreversible situation. As Leon points out, prospective landlords want a deposit and references – both of which are very difficult to provide when you are living in a hostel and living on benefits.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/01/charity-advent-real-lettings">Continue reading...</a>Charitable givingRenting propertyConsumer affairsMoneyHomelessnessCommunitiesHousingSocietySocial exclusionCharitiesVoluntary sectorPropertyChristmasLife and styleThu, 01 Dec 2011 15:20:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/dec/01/charity-advent-real-lettingsBroadwayReal Lettings tenants are rigorously vetted and rent is guaranteed for up to five years. Photograph: BroadwayBroadwayEvery Real Lettings tenant is rigorously vetted and the rent is guaranteed for up to five years. Photograph: BroadwayJill Insley2011-12-01T15:20:06Z